According to the Citizenship Act there are four ways of becoming a citizen of the Republic of Estonia – by birth, by the process of naturalization, for special merits and by restoration of the citizenship if it was lost by a person as a minor.

Estonian law ensures that no one is deprived of an Estonian citizenship acquired by birth and sets out the two cases when the citizenship is granted based on the said criteria. Estonian citizenship is acquired by birth by:

1. Any child at least one of whose parents holds Estonian citizenship at the time of the birth of the child;
2. Any child who is born after the death of his or her father who, at the time of his death, held Estonian citizenship.

Estonian Citizenship Act states that Estonian citizenship can be acquired by birth and sets out the two cases when the citizenship is granted based on the said criteria.

Estonian citizenship is acquired by birth by:

1. Any child at least one of whose parents holds Estonian citizenship at the time of the birth of the child;
2. Any child who is born after the death of his or her father who, at the time of his death, held Estonian citizenship.

Estonian law ensures that no one is deprived of the citizenship by birth. For the said purpose it allows citizenship by birth to be acquired through a relative as far as a grandparent. For example, if a grandparent was an Estonian citizen before 16/6/1940 and later he or she fled the country and by naturalization acquired the citizenship of another state, the grandchild may acquire Estonian citizenship by birth.

An alien who wishes to acquire Estonian citizenship by naturalization must:

1. Be at least 15 years of age;
2. Hold a long-term residence permit or the right of permanent residence;
3. Prior to the date on which he or she submits the application for Estonian citizenship, have lived in Estonia for at least 8 years on the ground of a residence permit or by right of residence, of which at least the last five years on a permanent basis;
4. Have lawfully and on a permanent basis resided in Estonia on the ground of a long-term residence permit or by right of permanent residence for six months fro the day following the date of registration of the application for Estonian citizenship;
5.  Have a registered place of residence in Estonia;
6. Be proficient in the Estonian language – assessed through an exam and proved with a certificate issued;
7. Know constitution of the Republic of Estonia and the Citizenship Act;
8. Have a permanent legal income which ensures his or her own subsistence and that of his or her dependents;
9. Be loyal to the Estonian state;
10. Take an oath.

For this purpose permanent legal income and language requirements are as follows:

Permanent legal income

1. Remuneration earned lawfully under a contract of employment, contract of service, civil law contract or membership;
2. Income obtained from lawful business activity or property;
3. Pensions;
4. Grants;
5. Maintenance payments;
6. Benefits paid under a law;
7. Maintenance provided by a family member with a permanent legal income in Estonia.
   
   

Language requirements

General proficiency in basic Estonian needed in everyday life which corresponds to the proficiency level B-1 or an equivalent level which implies that the applicant is:

1. Able to cope in most everyday situations;
2. Able to describe experiences, events, dreams and goals and can briefly give reasons for and explain his o her views and intentions;
3. Able to fully understand the gist of familiar topics such as work, school and leisure;
4. Able to compose a simple text on a topic which he or she is familiar with or takes an interest in.

Acquisition of Estonian citizenship for special merits

Persons who have specials merits towards Estonia can be awarded with citizenship. Achievements of special merit may be achievements in the area of science, culture, sports or in other areas. Proposals for granting citizenship for achievements of special merit may be made by members of the Government of the Republic. Under the Estonian law no more than 10 people per year may be awarded citizenship for special merits. It is also worth noting that granting the citizenship is to be substantiated by the members of the government whereas refusal to grant – not.

According to the Estonian Citizenship Act, anyone who has lost his or her Estonian citizenship as a minor is entitled to its restoration. It is required that the person who wishes his or her Estonian citizenship to be restored is staying in Estonia on a permanent basis and is released from his or her previous citizenship or proves that he or she will be released from such citizenship in relation to his or her resumption of Estonian citizenship.

The act sets out a holographic application for the person wishing to restore his or her Estonian citizenship. The application includes the following personal particulars:

1. Given name and surname;
2. Information concerning any changes to the applicant’s given name or surname;
3. Date and place of birth;
4. Citizenship;
5. Place of residence;
6. The oath of allegiance;
7. Signature.

Alongside with the application the person must submit:

1. Two photogaphs (4x5);
2. Documents proving the applicant’s identity and citizenship;
3. A document proving that the applicant is staying in Estonia on a permanent basis;
4. Documents proving the loss of the applicant’s Estonian citizenship;

Prior submitting the application, the applicant must pay the fee 13 EUR, however, if he or she is up to the age of 18, he or she is released from the obligation of paying the state fee.

To find out more about Estonian citizenship, please contact our lawyers at info@gencs.eu.